View Full Version : Kettle - open fire
Any personal recommendations for a kettle for use on an open fire.
- will be used solely for making tea/coffee
- will be mostly stood on a mesh/grill that sits over the fire, handle needed occasionaly
- capacity around 1.2 litre (suitable for warms drinks for 2-4 people)
- doesn't need to be featherweight, but lightweight is an advantage as it will be carried in rucksack.
I've searched around the forum, found lots of talk about Kelly kettles, but haven't yet found anything specifically for open fire kettles.
A zebra kettle/teapot should be just the ticket. The 14cm one should be plenty for 2-4 people. I've just sold a 14cm one in the classifieds - the only reason I sold it was that I bought the 16cm one as we're usually 4+ people. Great kettles though.
Here's the one I use. Not sure of its make - Gelert? All I remember is that I bought it a few years ago in Wilkinsons (although they still sell exactly the same ones. In 'camping season'). Can't remember how much it cost. But it came from Wilkos, so couldn't have been much more than a few quid.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9179907@N06/3777350699/
Another vote for the Zebra kettle, i love mine. The only downer is the bail doesn't stand up on its own, but my resourceful friend (who has the same kettle) came up with a metal clip that keeps it up and stays on the kettle.
I use a trangia kettle from the large set and Jungle re uses a tesco camping kettle.Both are aluminium and hold enough water for 2-4 people,There is no problem sitting them in an open fire or suspending them over a fire.
Kelly kettle - can be used on an open fire and has the added advantage of not needing one if you're on the move and fancy a cuppa. Boils fast too - quicker than my mains electric one :D
Kelly kettle - can be used on an open fire and has the added advantage of not needing one if you're on the move and fancy a cuppa. Boils fast too - quicker than my mains electric one :D
I'd pondered doing this but shied away as I wondered if there would be issues with the metal handle and chain getting hot and the wooden handle and cork doing what wood does best near a fire.
I'd pondered doing this but shied away as I wondered if there would be issues with the metal handle and chain getting hot and the wooden handle and cork doing what wood does best near a fire.
That's the tricky part, I've used mine over a fire a few times but both the handle and cork are looking worse for it. If the fire's nice and small then it's easy enough but if it's a fairly large group fire and you're just doing it for convenience then it requires some balancing of sticks etc.
treefrog
02-11-2009, 10:04
A zebra kettle/teapot should be just the ticket. The 14cm one should be plenty for 2-4 people. I've just sold a 14cm one in the classifieds - the only reason I sold it was that I bought the 16cm one as we're usually 4+ people. Great kettles though.
This place http://www.culinox.co.uk/acatalog/occequipment.html#a78 does the Zebra kettle. They also sell shop soiled/demo pots on Evilbay from time to time. I picked up a 14cm for £5.99
Thanks guys. It's looking like a zerbra! :)
That's the tricky part, I've used mine over a fire a few times but both the handle and cork are looking worse for it. If the fire's nice and small then it's easy enough but if it's a fairly large group fire and you're just doing it for convenience then it requires some balancing of sticks etc.
Even 'bushcraft' requires a modicum of common sense. A kelly kettle has it's own fire pot which the kettle sits in - if you've got a fire which you could roast Guido Fawkes on then scraping some of the embers to one side to put the kettle (any kettle come to that) on would be a good idea - alternatively just fill the kelly's fire pot with embers from the big fire, stick the kettle on the top of that and feed it twigs for a minute or two.
One hitherto unmentioned advantage of the kelly is stowage. It's tall and relatively narrow, so has a smaller pack footprint than a conventional kettle and has a hole through the middle which can be filled with all manner of sharp things (cutlery, bbq tools et al) which your pack might otherwise need protection from.
Cheese!
Even 'bushcraft' requires a modicum of common sense.
That's my problem then :rolleyes:
One hitherto unmentioned advantage of the kelly is stowage. It's tall and relatively narrow, so has a smaller pack footprint than a conventional kettle
You haven't got one then, they're the stupidest things to pack imho. As much as I love mine it does get left at home if I'm making a trip by foot becuase it takes up so much room compared to other stoves.
Ham!
;)
And the inside of the chimney is covered in soot etc.
Even 'bushcraft' requires a modicum of common sense. A kelly kettle has it's own fire pot which the kettle sits in - if you've got a fire which you could roast Guido Fawkes on then scraping some of the embers to one side to put the kettle (any kettle come to that) on would be a good idea - alternatively just fill the kelly's fire pot with embers from the big fire, stick the kettle on the top of that and feed it twigs for a minute or two.
One hitherto unmentioned advantage of the kelly is stowage. It's tall and relatively narrow, so has a smaller pack footprint than a conventional kettle and has a hole through the middle which can be filled with all manner of sharp things (cutlery, bbq tools et al) which your pack might otherwise need protection from.
Cheese!
Spoken like a man who has read about them but not carried one.They are big bulky dirty and only good for boiling water,Which they do brilliantly.Wheras a kettle is small compact and reasonably clean and good for boiling water ,which they do brilliantly.
Go to a charity shop, they have loads of stainless steel teapots in varying sizes, i've got them in one cup size, up to one that holds a gallon !, and i've never paid more than £2,
and if you want a bail arm, they can be drilled, go on grab a bargain !.
Rob
does anyone have an actual picture of the 14cm zebra kettle? Also thanks for the shop link, but they only post to the uk. Are there any other stockists online?
Woodwatcher
02-11-2009, 19:40
how about packing the inside of the kelly kettle with kindling or tinder material for when it comes out to play next. i tend to use an old allie pan with lid for boiling water nowadays cant be bothered with carrying a kettle, kelly aside just hoping santa remembers the cross pot stand for it at xmas. ps did anyone else find the weather a bit wet this weekend or was i the only person in the woods!
m.durston
02-11-2009, 19:48
have you thought of looking at the primus litech coffee/tea kettle?
heres the link to the official primus website http://www.primus.se/Templates/Pages/3_cols_white_middle.aspx?Secti onId=5888
i've got the larger 1.5l version of the kettle along with the excellent frying pan. i regularly use both on open fires, parrafin stoves etc and apart from the inevitable blackening on the bottom of the kettle both are dent free and still going strong.
treefrog
02-11-2009, 20:33
does anyone have an actual picture of the 14cm zebra kettle? Also thanks for the shop link, but they only post to the uk. Are there any other stockists online?
Sorry didn't see you are in Finland. Try these guys, they post overseas and have a Evilbay site.
http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/zebra-14cm-billy-tea-pot-693-p.asp
Another vote for the Zebra tiffin can. Can be used as a billy too as required
NS
does anyone have an actual picture of the 14cm zebra kettle? Also thanks for the shop link, but they only post to the uk. Are there any other stockists online?
If you can source one cheap in the UK Susi, find out how much the postage is to Finland and I don't mind sorting it out for you at this end.
warthog1981
04-11-2009, 20:40
susi Ive got a brand new 14cm zebra kettle thats been up my attic for ages if your up for a little bartering i,ll send it out to you ?
cheers Russ
Yippeee, forums are back up!
Thanks all for the kind advice and offers. I'll send a PM :)
Thanks guys for all the info and offers.
Today I bought one of these:
http://www.opa.fi/shop/product_details.php?p=132
For those unfamiliar with them, Opa is a Finnish brand, well designed and well made. We have some conventional kitchen pans made by Opa, and they've been superb.
The kettle itself has a reenforced base and the bail locks into the upright position. Am looking forward to using it soon, so will update its performance.
Thanks again and happy weekend to all!
Thanks guys for all the info and offers.
Today I bought one of these:
http://www.opa.fi/shop/product_details.php?p=132
For those unfamiliar with them, Opa is a Finnish brand, well designed and well made. We have some conventional kitchen pans made by Opa, and they've been superb.
The kettle itself has a reenforced base and the bail locks into the upright position. Am looking forward to using it soon, so will update its performance.
Thanks again and happy weekend to all!
Very nice Susi
Any idea if they ship to the UK ?
I'd quite like to treat myself to one of those at the end of the month.
Very nice Susi
Any idea if they ship to the UK ?
I'd quite like to treat myself to one of those at the end of the month.
"Toimitamme tilauksia ainoastaan Suomeen." - Looks like their own site only ships within Finland. I actually found mine in a fairly local supermarket (it was the last one!). Anyway, I'll have a look around and see if there is anyway to get one to the UK :)
Was having a search and found this thread from this very forum:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3613&page=3
Unfortunately the link given for Opa doesn't exist anymore.
I will look some more,,,
"Toimitamme tilauksia ainoastaan Suomeen." - Looks like their own site only ships within Finland. I actually found mine in a fairly local supermarket (it was the last one!). Anyway, I'll have a look around and see if there is anyway to get one to the UK :)
Thanks Susi that would be most appreciated. If it looks like shipping is going to be expensive though don't bother for me.
http://www.scandinavianoutdoorstore.c om/en/retkiruokailu-ja-juomahuolto/nuotio-savustus-ja-kuivaus/nuotiokahvipannu-12-l/
They have it, although I don't know what the shipping would be to the UK. But there is always the option to combine the order with something else you might want/need/be dying to buy! :)
If you need any help with anything, just drop me a PM :)
OK delivery is 25€ for international :( Sorry.
But it looks like that covers everything you might buy in one go.
These are good
http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/products.asp?recnumber=4179
Lardrover
26-11-2009, 18:54
Very nice Susi
Any idea if they ship to the UK ?
I'd quite like to treat myself to one of those at the end of the month.
Hi Rich
They do look nice, I'll ask a Finnish friend about them and see what options we have.
Hi Rich
They do look nice, I'll ask a Finnish friend about them and see what options we have.
Great stuff :You_Rock_
The Cumbrian
26-11-2009, 19:22
Send them an email Rich and see if they can reduce the cost of postage. I've ordered a couple of things from there and they've been really helpful.
Cheers, Michael.
landyandy
26-11-2009, 20:04
Yes the Zebra kettle, i love mine.
Lardrover
26-11-2009, 21:20
Send them an email Rich and see if they can reduce the cost of postage. I've ordered a couple of things from there and they've been really helpful.
Cheers, Michael.
It's another option Rich. You and I are close enough for one of us to take delivery. Does this have the makings of a group buy if there is more interest? Perhaps ask them what the first price break is for a group buy and take ti fromthere?
Tor who runs his own camping/bushcraft company over the ocean sells a similar kettle but they are more expensive
http://www.techthor.com/lamp/shopexd.asp?id=233
His English is very good; a good bloke all round (and he collects stoves :) )